Currently leveling DRK on easy mode, so I will need gear and weapon to use once I finish skilling up GS and scythe. Apoc/Rag is obviously the gold standard for weapons, but until I can get those done, what are good in-the-meantime weapons? Empy +2 gear looks good all around, while most of the AF and relic looks like crap. However, being new to DRK, I could be missing something. What's the gold standard for armor? Is empy +2 at least acceptable until I can afford an armadaberk? Total newb to DRK (it was 37 from the days when RDM/DRK was the only way to go for CS Stun), so any advice is appreciated.

At least go out and quest a Fullgurante Great Sword and get a Twilight Scythe for PDT mobs in nyzul and for procing scythe weaknesses. If you find that you enjoy scythe a lot maybe get Wroth from Ig-alima and a 2-4 scythe for /DNC funness until you finish your relics.